Lighting performance power monitoring system and method with optional integrated light control

ABSTRACT

A light performance monitoring device and optionally integrated controller includes a monitor module that directly monitors energy usage of at least one energy load to generate at least one measurement of energy usage; a storage module stores a series of baseline values of energy usage of the energy load, a comparator module compares energy measurements made at predetermined intervals with the baseline values, and a notification module notifies a designated recipient that there is a deviation from the baseline values consistent with a burned out or non-operational light fixture, including but not limited to light bulbs or ballast devices. A control module optionally integrated with the light performance monitoring device can be operatively coupled to the monitor module to control energy usage by the at least one energy load via a data link in a pre-determined manner that is based on the at least one measurement of energy usage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/795,644, filed Apr. 28, 2006, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to monitoring systems and methods fordetecting power usage and control of lighting systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides an automated notificationsystem that a light monitoring system requires replacement of items suchas bulbs, ballasts, which may or may not be integrated with a lightingcontrol/actuation system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Maintaining adequate interior and exterior lighting levels is asignificant endeavor for many building facility operators. Maintainingproper light intensity is considered to be an important factor forvarious building usages, including:

(a) Facilitating retail sales from display floor areas; retail storeoperators have disclosed that there is a correlation with the amount oflight used to illuminate products and the store aisles, and the lengthof time a consumer will remain in a store purchasing items;

(b) Providing adequate egress lighting, particularly during emergencyconditions such as loss of normal electrical power; recent power outagesdue to severe storms and/or terrorist incidents have a number ofmilitary and civilian personnel disclosing that lighting wasinsufficient in emergency exit areas in places open to the public; and

(c) Providing adequate workspace lighting for various human workactivities. For example, there are some studies showing that overallmoods of employees and their productivity are impacted by the amount oflighting in the workplace.

There are a number of lighting control and monitoring systems used toturn on and off lights in stores, malls, parking lots, etc. Thesesystems sometimes include power management to make the power usage asefficient as possible.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,391 to Salas et al., which is hereby incorporated inits entirety by reference, discloses a power management control systemcomprising a computer (server) having standard RS485 interface cards andadapters installed in its I/O slots defining multiple industry standardModbus RTU networks and Ethernet TCP/IP networks and the computercontains software for monitoring and controlling power usage/consumptioncaptured by remotely controlled devices (Abstract). There is no on-boardor downloadable capability for software/firmware power management or fordirect device-to-device communication.

US Patent Application 2004/0024483 A1 to Holcombe, which is herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses a system, methodand article of manufacture for monitoring and optimizing utility usagein an entity. Paragraph 0069 at page 4 discloses as an option a centralcontrol unit may interact with appliances or interface modules foraltering their cycle as needed or turn them on or turn them off atdifferent times.

US Patent Application 2003/0050737 A1 to Osann, Jr., which is herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses an energy-smarthome system (see FIG. 1) that requires energy monitoring and controlpoints installed at switches, plugs, and other points of energy use andcommunication with a power line data link to a centrally locatedintelligent device such as a PC, residential gateway, and the like forviewing and energy control functions. A separate electrical breaker boxsupplements the distributed energy monitoring and control points. Theenergy-smart system of Osann, Jr. provides internet access to thecentrally located intelligent device, utility company, and other serviceproviders (e.g., security) as well as a utility company power meter.Subloads controlled can include direct wired subloads, such as anair-conditioner or furnace.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,233 to Leyde, which is hereby incorporated in itsentirety by reference, discloses a power monitoring and regulatingcircuit and method having an analog input representing power deliveryrate and a digital output for controlling the on/off states of aplurality of loads (see column 2, lines 37 to 67; claim 1). Thisinvention contemplates the use of a settable set point which throughcircuitry and not firmware the invention seeks to attain to regulatingthe number of loads connected to the power source.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,679 to Leyde, et al., which is hereby incorporatedin its entirety by reference, discloses floating set point controlcircuit and method for use with electrical load control systems. Column1, lines 1-36 and claims 1, 8 and 16 disclose an electrical load controlsystems that continuously measures the rate of power delivered to aplurality of loads and when a predetermined rate, termed a set point, isexceeded or conversely, then one or more of the plurality of loads isdisconnected (shed) or connected (added).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,162 to Hammer, et al., which is hereby incorporatedin its entirety by reference, discloses a method and apparatus forload-shedding duty cycling that overrides a normal thermostat control(see claim 1). A signal from a power utility company is received to thethermostat, such as a radio signal. This invention does not measurepower use and controls a single load.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,985 to O'Donnell et al., which is herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses a load shed modulefor use in a power distribution system that includes facility fordelivering both electrical power and electrical power rate informationfrom a utility supplier. This invention is physically placed between andinterfaces to a utility power source and a load and requires manuallysetting a rotary switch on the to a threshold rate. The setting of therotary switch is compared by the invention with a rate received from autility supplier. If the received rate exceeds the manually set rate theinvention disconnects a load from the power source.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,527 B1 to Butland, et al., which is herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses a UtilitiesCommunications Architecture (UCA) compliant power management controlsystem. Column 2, lines 9-25, discloses first and second intelligentelectronic devices communicating over a first and second network withfirst and second servers that process data received from first andsecond intelligent electronic devices to manage power use. TCP/IP andRS-485 protocol are supported (claims 2, 8, and 10 ) as well as otherprotocols. This invention envisions software loaded into computers andservers to provide access to and control of power management data andfunctions, respectively, of intelligent electronic power management andcontrol devices of an electrical distribution system.

Dencor Inc., Denver, Colo., US (http://www.dencorinc.com) provides anexpansion module for controlling multiple loads via a single unit inorder to reduce energy consumption. Reliable Controls, Victoria, BritishColumbia, Canada (http://www.reliablecontrols.com) provides aMACH-Global Controller that provides LAN communication through nineports to 128 universal input-output hard points, and a MACH1 and MACH2controller each supporting communication ports and eight inputs andoutputs as well as up to three expansion cards by the MACH2. Thesesystems are described as providing cost effective management of powerconsumption, e.g.,

-   -   “The Reliable Controls® MACH-System is a computer-based system        of hardware and software products designed to control the        comfort and manage the energy consumption of the environment        with commercial buildings. The system consists of: programmable        controllers which have inputs and outputs that are connected to        sensors and actuators used to measure and control the        environment; network communications to network the controllers        to facilitate sharing data and archiving data; PCs to run the        various software programs used to program, operate and backup        the system.” (from web-site FAQ)

However, there is no enabling description of a system that is used forautomatic detection that elements of a lighting system (e.g. bulbs,ballasts) require maintenance based on measured values. Nor is thetechnology employed to manage energy consumption provided on eitherweb-site. The Reliable Controls products do not address non-commercialapplications.

The above referenced Web pages primarily describe individual controldevices and do not offer any type of integrated power monitoring andcontrol device, nor do they disclose or suggest a device that monitorsand alerts when components such as bulbs and ballasts need replacement.

Thus, multi-load self-contained power management devices and powermanagement systems including a remote control PC or Server systemtherefor are old in the art. Prior art power management devices performfixed functions and devices exist that can respond to remote controlover hardwired networks. None provide an interfaced control componentlocal to and combined with a monitoring device and none include on-boardcontrol software/firmware to capture power measurements and use thesemeasurements to manage multiple loads according to algorithms. Further,none comprise on-board, downloadable software/firmware interfaced with apower monitoring unit or integrated with a power monitor in a singleelectronic unit and that can be directly networked with like devices tomanage power for single or multiple site configurations of loads.

Nor do any of the above-discussed patents disclose a system thatmonitors when components such as bulbs and ballasts require maintenance,so that the lighting system provides the light at the predeterminedpower level that it was intended for normal operation.

Also, repair activities must be occasionally undertaken to maintainlighting systems at desired and appropriate levels of light intensity.Light bulb and ballast technologies, as typically employed today, onlyprovide a relatively short service life—much shorter than what isexpected from the overall building lighting system. Today, such repairactivities are generally inefficient labor-intensive processescharacterized by periodic manual visual inspections—or driven bycomplaints from building occupants after prolonged periods of inadequatelighting. Both of these repair activities are not very different fromthe activities of maintenance personnel from almost 100 years ago whenelectric lighting was first installed in office buildings. Egresslighting deficiencies are frequently discovered as a result of risk tohuman safety during emergency conditions, often where evacuees latercomplained. Thus there is a need both from at least an efficiencystandpoint and from a safety standpoint to improve on the method ofmonitoring lighting systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is to provide system and a method for“as-needed” proactive maintenance of lighting systems through continuousmonitoring of the electric power characteristics of lighting circuits.This monitoring is used to automatically determine when lighting systemsare not performing adequately.

This invention also provides a system and method for integration ofelectric power monitoring into lighting control devices such that theequipment which turns lights on and off (based on building occupancy,hour of the day, etc.) can also provide the continuous monitoringrequired to automatically identify deficiencies in the lighting system.

Another aspect of the invention provides a lighting performancemonitoring system and method via electric power monitoring. As lightingsystem components fail, such as bulbs and ballasts, the electric powerconsumption of the lighting system changes characteristics. Thisinvention provides for continuous monitoring of the lighting systemelectric power consumption such that failure of system components can beautomatically detected at the time when such failures occur. Thisinvention also provides a mechanism through which the type of the failedcomponent may be automatically identified—such as bulb or ballast. Thiscapability requires that the power consumption characteristics ofindividual system components are known for their various failure modes.This invention also provides for the transmission of automaticnotifications to appropriate maintenance personnel, based on the abovecontinuous monitoring.

The lighting performance power monitoring system continuously monitorsthe electrical load characteristics of lighting circuits. This isaccomplished by electronic sampling of the voltage (1) and current (2)waveforms associated with lighting circuits, and using these values tocalculate the required electrical load properties such as real power(watts), reactive power (vars), and apparent power (va). The desiredelectrical load properties may vary, depending upon the type of lightingfixtures.

In addition, the lighting performance power monitoring systemcontinuously compares the present electrical load characteristics oflighting circuits to one or more baseline values. The baseline valuesare established through a calibration process that is executed when thelighting circuits are known to be performing at full capability. Whenthe present electrical load characteristics deviate from baseline valuesby more than a predefined delta, the lighting circuit is considered tobe performing inadequately and an automatic electronic notification maybe sent to maintenance personnel at predefined electronic addresses. Theautomatic notification may include information concerning the probabletype of component (bulb, ballast, etc.) that has failed, based on themagnitude of change in one or more electrical load properties (watts,vars, etc.).

The invention can also be incorporated into a system which integrateslighting performance monitoring, as discussed above, and lightingcontrol. Electrical load switching devices are normally provided so thatbuilding lights can be turned on or off based on building occupancy.This is done to conserve energy and to inform the public when facilitiesare open business. Such load switching capability may be providedthrough lighting control units that are designed to serve multiplelighting circuits under the control of timers, daylight sensors(photocells, etc.), or more sophisticated energy management systems.This embodiment provides for the integration of lighting performancemonitoring with lighting control units to reduce over-all material andlabor costs as well as physical space requirements.

For example, the invention may employ an integrated unit which providesboth lighting load switching devices and electrical load powermonitoring to continuously monitor lighting performance. This embodimentcould employ a lighting controller and performance monitor unit whichhas an electronic sub-assembly that serves multiple purposes including:Automated control of lighting circuit load switching devices through atwo-way data link with an energy management system or through controlalgorithms stored locally within the Lighting Controller and PerformanceMonitor; Automated lighting performance monitoring as described above;and Automated notification of maintenance personnel via a connectedenergy management system or through a dedicated data link.

A typical device that may be employed for the combination lightingcontrol and performance monitoring may be a power management device,including: a monitor module that directly monitors energy usage of atleast one energy load to generate at least one measurement of energyusage by the at least one energy load; and, if desired, a control moduleoperatively coupled to the monitor module to control energy usage by theat least one energy load in a pre-determined manner that is based on theat least one measurement of energy usage, wherein the control modulecontrols the at least one energy load via a data link.

By monitor module is meant any component(s) that directly monitorsenergy usage of at least one energy load to generate at least onemeasurement of energy usage by the at least one energy load.

By control module is meant any component(s) that control energy usage bythe at least one energy load in a pre-determined manner that is based onthe at least one measurement of energy usage. The monitor module mayhave separate hardware/software components from the control module, orthe monitor module may share some or all of its hardware/softwarecomponents with the control module.

The control module is optional for the aspect of the present inventioninvolving monitoring the electric power characteristics of lightingcircuits to determine when maintenance is needed. For example, a monitormodule with a capability to transmit notifications to appropriatemaintenance personnel based on the monitoring may suffice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates an embodiment of lighting performance power monitoraccording to the present invention that detects and notifies maintenancepersonnel.

FIG. 1 b is a flowchart presenting the operational steps performed bythe device in FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 c illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionintegrated package that combines integrated lighting control andperformance monitoring functioning that includes notification of bulband ballast outages.

FIG. 1 d illustrates an overview schematic a system including amonitor/controller device for performing the present invention.

FIG. 1 e illustrates an interfaced embodiment of the present inventionhaving separate interfaced control and monitoring components.

FIG. 1 f illustrates an integrated embodiment of the present inventionhaving on board control integrated in the monitoring component.

FIG. 2 illustrates an electrical distribution panel diagram configuredaccording with a device according to the present invention to controlmultiple subloads.

FIG. 3 illustrates multiple sites communicating with one another toaccomplish management and control according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c illustrate a flow diagram of controlsoftware/firmware for the monitor/controller embodiment of FIG. 1 d.

FIG. 5 illustrates the components and interfaces of a tightly integratedcombination monitor/controller according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, B, C, D(a), D(b), E, F, G, H, I, J and K are combined anddetailed views of a wiring diagram of another preferred embodiment of acombination monitor/controller for use in the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thecombination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate enlarged views of a current monitoringinterface of the combination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D(a) illustrates an enlarged view of a local control interface,and a direct current power supply of the combination monitor-controllerillustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D(b) illustrates an enlarged view of a voltage monitoringinterface of the combination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 6E and 6F illustrate enlarged views of portions of ananalog-to-digital converter of the combination monitor-controllerillustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6G illustrates an enlarged view of a high voltage opto-isolator anda portion of a data flow controller of the combinationmonitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6H illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the data flowcontroller not illustrated in FIG. 6G.

FIGS. 6I and 6J illustrate enlarged views of a remote communicationinterface of the combination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6K illustrates an enlarged view another local interface of thecombination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a prior art power management system including a host server asa controller.

FIG. 8 is the system of FIG. 7 modified according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show photographs of an ADM-3311 Multi-Circuit PowerMonitor, available from ADMMicro, LLC, Roanoke, Va., suitable forcontaining firmware according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show photographs of an ADM-1204 Multi-Circuit PowerMonitor, available from ADMMicro, LLC, Roanoke, Va., suitable forcontaining firmware according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussions for purposes of clarity with respect toexplaining the current invention, common components are numberedaccording to their first appearance in a drawing and well-knowncomponents are to be interpreted according to the understanding of aperson ordinarily skilled in the art, e.g., wide area network (WAN) andBluetooth are well-known in the art and are not described but giventheir well-known meanings.

Lighting Performance Monitor

FIG. 1 a is a schematic of an embodiment of a lighting performancemonitor according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, thelighting performance power monitor 1000 includes voltage measurementinputs 1010 and current transformer inputs 1020. There is a power panel1030 from which a plurality of circuits light up different zones, (e.g.areas) of a particular retail establishment, office, etc. Both thevoltage and the current waveforms are sampled to calculate theelectrical load, such as power (watts), reactive power (vars), andapparent power (va). The properties of the load may vary, of course,depending on the type of lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1 b provides a flowchart that shows the operational steps that asystem as in the present invention can operate. This flowchart is shownfor purposes of illustration and does not limit the invention to thetypes of measurements shown or the specific steps that are described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, at step 1100 the lighting performancemonitor (and Controller) simultaneously samples voltage and currentwaveforms, with the voltage measurement in this case being provided atinput 1010 (shown in FIG. 1 a) and the current input 1020 from currenttransformer 1040. The light fixtures (bulbs, ballast, etc) 1050 (shownin FIG. 1 a) all draw a certain amount of power while operational. Thusa baseline should be established with all of the lights beingoperational, and there can be variances (such as also establishing abaseline with 50% of the lights being operational, 25%, etc) and thesevalues are recorded.

The Lighting Performance Power Monitor 1000 continuously compares thepresent electrical load characteristics of lighting circuits to one ormore baseline values. Baseline values are established through acalibration process that is executed when the lighting circuits areknown to be performing at full capability.

At step 1110, the present power values are calculated. At step 1120,these values are compared with the baseline values. At step 1130 it isdetermined whether the present values differ from the baseline values bymore than the predefined values. If no, the operation of simultaneousmeasurement starts at step 1100 again. However, when the present valuesdiffer from the baseline values by more than a predetermined amount, atstep 1140, notification is sent to maintenance personnel. and/orwhomever is designated to be a recipient of these messages. When thedeviation of the electrical load characteristics deviate from baselinevalues by more than a predefined delta, the maintenance person willpresumably go on site with the replacement equipment, or possiblyrequest or perform a visual inspection to locate the light fixture thatis not operating properly. The performance monitor can, for example,identify the malfunctioning individual circuit and the zone thatrequires attention. Essentially, if a light burns out, the amount ofpower drawn should decrease by a mount in the area of the predetermineddelta. In fact, in the case of multiple failures the lightingperformance monitor could issue an alert that more than one lightfixture is malfunctioning, based on the amount of deviation from thebaseline (e.g. three light fixtures malfunctioning would caused themeasured values to deviate from the baseline more than if one lightfixture malfunctions. Again, whether the power reading is peak-to-peakwatts, rms, vars, etc., is a selection according to the type of lightingused. However, in virtually all cases, there will be a change in thebaseline values if one or more light fixtures malfunctions.

The method of notification can be email via broadband, via telco,wireless, or virtually any form of wire or wireless communication, andmay use the Internet, or a private network. In any event, the goal isthat the maintenance person can receive, possible even a message on histelephone, a notification that at least one light appears to bemalfunctioning based on the characteristics.

Integrated Lighting Performance Monitor and Controller

FIG. 1 c shows another embodiment of the present invention. In thiscase, there is an integrated package of the lighting performancemonitor, and a lighting controller 1090, the controller being a devicethat monitors usage and turns lights on or off according to certaincriteria, such as time of day, day of week, etc. Electrical loadswitching devices are normally provided so that building lights can beturned on or off based on building occupancy. This is done to conserveenergy and to inform the public when facilities are open for business.Such load switching capability may be provided through lighting controlunits that are designed to serve multiple lighting circuits under thecontrol of timers, daylight sensors (photocells, etc.), or moresophisticated energy management systems. This embodiment provides forthe integration of lighting performance monitoring with lighting controlunits to reduce over-all material and labor costs as well as physicalspace requirements.

As shown in FIG. 1 c, there are controllable load switching devices, sothe light fixtures can be switched on or off, or possibly even dimmed toa degree at certain hours. These different states can all be recorded inthe baseline values so that the proper comparison is made. For example,if the store closes early on a Sunday, the lights may be turned off, ordimmed at an earlier hour than normal. Thus, the baseline valuecomparison should be with the ideal desired state of lighting on aSunday at a certain hour of the day or evening. Thus, not only are powercosts saved, but maintenance is improved by the integrated package. Itis within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appendedclaims to monitor certain zones, and if there is an indication of amalfunction, turn on alternative lighting in the same zone, row, nearbyzones, rows, etc.

The monitoring and controller functions can be performed by software,hardware, firmware, and/or combinations of the above. In a preferredembodiment, microprocessor chips have these functions programmed in(and/or burnt in), but there is also a possibility that software couldbe provided, and thus a computer might be an integral part of thecontroller/monitor. Updates might be easier on one system versusanother, but in any case the invention provides an automated monitoring(and optionally control) of light fixtures and lighting systems.

FIG. 1 c shows an integrated unit which provides both lighting loadswitching devices and electrical load power monitoring to continuouslymonitor lighting performance. The Lighting Controller and PerformanceMonitor is an electronic sub-assembly that serves multiple purposesincluding:

Automated control of lighting circuit load switching devices through atwo-way data link with an energy management system or through controlalgorithms stored locally within the Lighting Controller and PerformanceMonitor;

Automated lighting performance monitoring as described above;

Automated notification of maintenance personnel via a connected energymanagement system or through a dedicated data link.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a high level block diagram of an embodiment of theremote/local combined power monitoring/controlling device that can beemployed to perform the present invention. Remote access to a combinedmonitor/controller 212 according to the current invention is providedvia at least one of a communication line, a wide area network (WAN), anda wired and/or wireless local area network (LAN) 101. The combinedmonitor/controller 212 typically is a combination of a single controllerunit 212 a interfaced to a single monitor unit 212 b (see, e.g., FIG. 1b) and preferably is a single integrated electrical unit 212 c (see,e.g., FIG. 1 c) that monitors and controls the electrical usage ofmultiple thermostats 102 and multiple light circuits 103, all suppliedpower by a common power source 105. Based on measured power consumptionand at least one pre-determined algorithm stored onboard, themonitor/controller 212 of the present invention controls the settings ofthe plurality of thermostats 102 (when and at what temperatures theyturn on and off) as well as turning on/off each of the plurality oflight circuits 103.

To perform monitoring/controlling functions the present inventionpreferably performs one or more of the following functions within aninterfaced control unit 212 a or preferably within a single integratedelectronic unit 212 c:

Directly monitors at least one electrical load;

Directly monitors at least one environmental variable;

Provides a selectable local display of the at least one electrical load;

Provides a selectable local display of the monitored/controlled at leastone environmental variable;

Indirectly monitors other energy loads and variables through electronicinterfaces with external monitors;

Executes at least one embedded control algorithm to automaticallydetermine a control setting for the at least one electrical loads;

Executes at least one embedded control algorithm to automaticallydetermine a control setting for the at least one environmental variable;

Control algorithms are downloadable and have downloadable parameters forupdate and tuning;

Indirectly controls at least one energy load through communication withat least one external control device (thermostats, relays, etc.);

Indirectly controls at least one environmental variable throughcommunication with at least one external control device (thermostats,relays, etc.); and

Communicates with end-users, computers, and external monitoring andcontrol devices through at least one communication media including TokenRing, Internet, Ethernet, modem, and serial data links.

Thus, the system and method of the present invention may employ a singlecompact electronic device interfacing/integrating robust communicationscapabilities and management (control) functions for at least one of

-   -   at least one energy load; and    -   at least one environmental variable.

In one aspect, the present invention typically comprises downloadablesoftware, preferably firmware, containing the at least one controlalgorithm.

In another aspect, the present invention typically comprises at leastmultiple analog-to-digital input channels, and optionally comprises atleast one of a current input, an optical circuit, an RS-485 output, anRS-232 output, a wireless network interface, and a wired networkinterface.

In another aspect, the present invention typically comprises apersistent store for retaining historical data for each monitored loadand environmental variable. Retention and purging of these historicaldata can be controlled remotely and these historical data can be locallydisplayed.

The present invention typically multiplexes subloads at a single siteacross a maximum power usage (pre-set or algorithmically determined) aswell as multiplexes loads across multiple networked sites. Wired andwireless network protocols are supported to provide inter-site andintra-site connectivity as well as to provide remote control of devicesusing standard messaging such as e-mail.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, systems 700 including single circuit monitorsand at least one server 701 that monitor and control multiple electricalloads are well known in the art. Such prior art systems 700 include aplurality of single-circuit (single and poly phase circuits) powermonitoring devices (meters) which are periodically interrogated by ahost server. The host server 701 uses data from the many powermonitoring devices 702 to calculate target setpoints for multipleelectrical loads 703 and communicates with a plurality of electricalload control devices 704 to implement the target setpoints (controlloads according to the algorithms).

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the present invention preferably takesadvantage of the fact that the power supply for the multiple lightingloads normally comes through a few common power distribution panels 210(such as circuit breaker panels). The many single-circuit powermonitoring devices (traditional approach) are replaced with a few, orjust one, multiple-circuit power monitoring controlling device(s) 212which can significantly reduce the cost, complexity, and physicalfootprint for the power monitoring component of the energy managementsystem. To this point, most of the energy management systems in usetoday do not include basic power monitoring due to the cost, complexity,and physical footprint associated with installing multiplesingle-circuit power monitoring devices (considered too expense toinstall). As a result, traditional energy management systems cannot makeoptimal automatic and dynamic control decisions because they do not havereal-time power usage data available—resulting in simplistic energymanagement algorithms that do not realize a significant portion of thepotential savings. The preferred advantages of the present invention aresignificantly based on including an onboard/local multiple circuit powermonitoring capability. For example, the present invention may employ amulti-circuit monitor.

The present invention takes advantage of the low-cost, high-performancemicroprocessors that are readily available today by embedding controlalgorithms in software locally resident on the device, preferablyfirmware, directly interfaced with multiple-circuit power monitoringelectronics. A device typically is a collection of components in closeproximity to each other, e.g., within a single housing or within 5 orless feet apart or within 24 or 12 or less inches apart or within two ormore adjacent housings. Traditional energy management systems employmore complex workstation or server class computers and implement thecontrol algorithms in software. These traditional energy management“host” servers are significantly more costly to purchase and operate,are less environmentally rugged, and are subject to manyInternet-related security vulnerabilities.

Although the present device may communicate with a server, typicallyeach device has local processing and memory for implementing one or morecontrol algorithms, rather than using the server for implementing theone or more control algorithms.

Combined Monitor/Controller

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, a system with embedded controlalgorithms, that may be employed in an embodiment of the presentinvention, monitors and controls multiple electrical loads of variousconfigurations 510 511 515 516—including both single 204 and poly-phaseapplications 203. At least some of the electrical loads are lightingloads. The single monitor/controller 212 is simply wired 209 to commonvoltages at an electrical distribution panel 210 and can be connected toremote current sensing units 515 to accept power variable measurements.In a preferred embodiment, the monitor/controller 212 of the presentinvention includes at least one an on-board control algorithm 504 havingat least one pre-determined, settable goal. A settable/downloadablethreshold is an example of one such goal. The at least one algorithmaccepts power 515 and environmental variable 516 measurements as inputsand determines how to control the power consumers 510 and other devices511 being monitored to achieve at least one goal of the at least onealgorithm.

The combined monitor/controller 212 provides advanced sampling,including multiple analog-to-digital converters for fast waveformsampling. All channels (the 12 shown in FIG. 2 are an example only andare not limiting in any sense) 211 are sampled simultaneously so thatthere is no phase delay introduced as in other systems utilizingsequential sampling techniques. Thus, the monitor/controller 212 of thepresent invention provides ANSI certified accuracies with harmoniccapture and analysis capabilities.

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of thecombination monitor-controller 212 illustrated in FIG. 5.

Monitor/controller 212 includes a current monitoring interface 610, avoltage monitoring interface 620, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter631 (having parts 630 and 634), a high voltage opto-isolator 640, a dataflow controller 650, a remote communication interface 660, local controlinterfaces 670 (FIG. 6D(a)) and 675 (FIG. 6K), and a direct current (dc)power supply 680. Together, these components, in cooperation withexternal devices, provide a capability to monitor and manage the energysupplied to loads by multiple power circuits.

Current monitoring interface 610 provides a twelve-channel interfacebetween the power circuits being monitored and electrical A/D converter631.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate enlarged views of portions of the currentmonitoring interface 610 of the combination monitor-controllerillustrated in FIG. 6A including low-pass filters 612 A-F shown in FIG.6B and low-pass filters 612 G-L shown in FIG. 6C.

Each of the twelve channels is connected to a separate power circuit tomonitor the flow of current through the circuit. The connection is madewith a current tap at both a supply (i.e., hot) line and a return (i.e.,neutral) line of the power circuit using a current transformer. Eachcurrent tap provides a waveform signal that is representative of thecurrent flow at the tap point. Together, the supply and return linewaveforms of the power circuit provide a differential signal pairrepresenting the current flow through the power circuit and this pair isprovided to one channel of current monitoring interface 610. Use of thedifferential signal waveform is preferred to the use of either one ofthe individual waveform signals because the individual waveform signalsusually have the same noise components superimposed on them and thesenoise components can be largely eliminated by measuring the differentialamplitude between the two individual waveforms.

For each of the monitored power circuits, the corresponding supply andreturn waveform signals are filtered and impedance buffered by alow-pass filter 612.

Thereafter, each of the filtered and buffered differential signal pairsis provided to a separate one of twelve corresponding channels of A/Dconverter section 631. FIG. 6A illustrates analog-to-digital (A/D)converter 631 having portions 630 and 634.

FIG. 6E illustrates an enlarged view of portion 630 of theanalog-to-digital (A/D) converter 631.

FIG. 6F illustrates an enlarged view of portion 634 of theanalog-to-digital (A/D) converter 631. In particular, FIG. 6Fillustrates an enlarged view of an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter634.

Accordingly, each one of the twelve A/D converter channels has first andsecond inputs that respectively receive the filtered and buffered supplyand return line waveform signals of the differential signal paircorresponding to one of the twelve power circuits being monitored.

FIG. 6D(b) illustrates an enlarged view of a voltage monitoringinterface 620 of the combination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG.6A.

Voltage monitoring interface 620 provides a three-phase interface to apower line supplying power to each of the power circuits beingmonitored. For each phase of the power line, a voltage tap is providedto communicate a voltage waveform, representing the voltage changesoccurring on the phase, to a separate one of three low-pass filters 622.Low-pass filters 622 filter and impedance buffer their respectivelyreceived phase voltage waveforms. Thereafter, each of the filtered andbuffered phase voltage waveforms is provided to a separate channel ofA/D converter 631 shown in FIG. 6E.

A/D converter 631 has three sample and hold (S/H) A/D converters (S/Hconverters), namely, S/H converters 632-633 shown in FIGS. 6E and S/Hconverter 634 shown in FIG. 6F.

Each of the S/H converters 632-634 is capable of simultaneouslydetermining six differential analog values and converting these analogvalues to a digital representation of these values. Each differentialvalue is determined by the amplitude difference between two analogsignals provided to the inputs of a channel of S/H converter 632-634. Aseach of S/H converters 632-634 has six individual channels, a combinedtotal of eighteen differential analog values can be simultaneouslydetermined and converted to digital representations by A/D converter630.

Each of the twelve differential signal pairs provided by currentmonitoring interface 610 is provided to a separate channel of S/Hconverters 632 and 633. S/H converters 632 and 633 generate digitalrepresentations of the waveform differences existing at the pair ofcurrent taps for each of the twelve power circuits monitored.

S/H converter 634 receives each of the three phase voltage waveformsprovided by voltage monitoring interface 620 at a separate channel anddetermines a difference between each phase voltage waveform and areference waveform. The determined difference for each channel isconverted to a digital representation that reflects the voltage detectedat the corresponding phase tap.

More specifically, S/H converters 632 and 633 receive the filtered andimpedance buffered differential signal pairs, representing the supplyand return current waveforms, for each of the twelve power circuitsinterfaced to monitor/controller 212 by current monitoring interface610. For each of their respective six channels, S/H converters 632 and633 detect the analog amplitude difference between the channel'scorresponding pair of differential signals and convert this differenceto a digital value representing the difference. S/H converters 632 and633 perform this detection and conversion process repeatedly so that thesequence of digital values produced for each channel provides arepresentation of the current flow through the corresponding powercircuit.

Similarly, S/H converter 634 receives the filtered and impedancebuffered phase voltage waveforms representing the voltage waveforms ofthe three-phase power line. S/H converter 634 detects the analogamplitude difference of each phase voltage waveform, with respect to areference waveform, at a point in time and converts this amplitudedifference to a digital representation of the difference. S/H converter634 performs this detection and conversion process repeatedly so thatthe sequence of digital values produced for each channel provides arepresentation of the voltage waveform at the corresponding phase of thepower line.

High voltage opto-isolator 640 receives and buffers the digital valuesproduced by S/H converter 634 and communicates the buffered digitalvalues as data to other components of monitor/controller 212, throughoptically-coupled data line drivers 642.

FIG. 6G illustrates an enlarged view of a portion 640 of the combinationmonitor-controller 212 illustrated in FIG. 6A including the high voltageopto-isolator and a portion of a data flow controller.

FIG. 6H illustrates an enlarged view of a portion 650 of the data flowcontroller not illustrated in FIG. 6G. FIG. 6H illustrates an enlargedview another local interface 650 of the combination monitor-controller212.

The electrical signal isolation provided by line drivers 642 (FIG. 6G)is desirable for electrically isolating monitor/controller 212'slow-voltage components, which receive the digital data representing thephase voltage waveforms, from the components that may directly orindirectly receive the high voltage present at the phase taps of thehigh voltage (e.g., 480 VAC) power line.

The data flow controller controls the flow of specific data and controlsignals among the components of monitor/controller 212 and between thesecomponents and external devices. This control is provided by an addressdecoder 652 (FIG. 6H) and several bus buffers/line drivers 654 (FIGS. 6Gand 6H).

Address decoder 652 decodes a three-bit encoded value provided by anaddress bus and selects one of eight prospective addresses identified bythe encoded value. The selected address is communicated internallywithin monitor/controller 212 and externally, as necessary, to controlthe flow of specific data and control signals within monitor/controller212. Bus buffers/line drivers 654 cooperate with address decoder 652 andother components of monitor/controller 212 to receive or transmit thespecific data and control signals.

External devices (illustrated in FIG. 5) that communicate data orcontrol signals to components of monitor/controller 212 may include atouchscreen device 517, a microprocessor 518, a communication modem 514,and environmental monitoring and control devices 511 516. The optionaltouchscreen device 517 displays specific data and control signalscommunicated through monitor/controller 212 and conveys user commands tomonitor/controller 212. The microprocessor 518 provides the processingcapability to determine operational characteristics of the monitoredpower line and each of the monitored power circuits, based on the datagenerated by A/D converter 630. Additionally, the microprocessor 518provides general control and communication functionality formonitor/controller 212 and the external devices to which it isconnected. The communication modem 514 supports communication betweenthe microprocessor 518 and remotely located devices. The environmentalmonitoring and control devices 511 516 monitor and control environmentalsystems that may affect the operational characteristics of the powerline or its associated power circuits.

FIGS. 6I and 6J illustrate enlarged views of portions 660 a and 660 b ofa remote communication interface 660 of the combinationmonitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Remote communication interface 660 provides an interface for modem,RS-232, and RS-485 communications between external devices that areconnected to monitor/controller 212. RS-485 transceivers 662 and 663(FIG. 6J) receive and drive communication signals in accordance withRS-485 specifications. Similarly, RS-232 transceiver 664 (FIG. 6I)receives and drives communication signals in accordance with RS-232specifications. Octal buffer/line drivers 665 (FIG. 6I) and 666 (FIG.6J) buffer and drive specific data and control signals conveyed throughcommunication section 660.

FIG. 6D(a) illustrates an enlarged view of a local control interface670, and a direct current power supply 680 of the combinationmonitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Local control interface 670 provides an opto-isolated communicationinterface between local environmental devices and monitor/controller212. Local control interface 685 provides a 5 Vdc switched output to anexternal device and is preferably used to operate a display light of thetouchscreen device 517.

Power supply 680 receives energy from an alternating current source andconverts this energy for provision within monitor/controller 212 byregulated 5 Vdc and 3.3 Vdc sources.

FIG. 6K illustrates an enlarged view another local interface 675 of thecombination monitor-controller illustrated in FIG. 6A. Local interface675 communicates with portion 650 of the data flow controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the current inputs 202 are designed withinstrumentation amplifiers. Full differential inputs are utilized toachieve the best signal conditions and noise rejection.

In a preferred embodiment, the potential inputs employ optical circuitryto provide high accuracy and isolation. The monitor/controller 212accepts polyphase inputs including at least one of 120/277 volts (3phase/4 wire) and 480 volts (3 phase/3 wire) 203. Single phase inputs to480 volts 209 are acceptable. In a preferred embodiment, themonitor/controller 212 comprises a plurality of digital inputs andoutputs, serial ports and can be configured for a plurality ofcommunication protocols. The plurality of serial ports further comprisesat least two RS-485 ports and at least one RS-232 port. The plurality ofprotocols includes ModBus TCP/IP ASCII/RTU, 514

In an embodiment, the monitor/controller 212 manages HVAC and the atleast one algorithm comprises “setback” scheduling 512. Environmentalmeasurements 516 include trending temperatures through at least one of athermostat and at least one wireless sensor. The at least one algorithmfurther provides demand control of a plurality of sub-loads. Wirelesssensor measurements include ambient, freezer/cooler and HVAC ducttemperatures. Monitoring and control variables 516 for HVAC includetemperature and humidity. A persistent store 503 is provided for longterm storage of measurements (e.g., load profiles) and optionallydownloadable firmware/software executed by a microprocessor 518. In analternative embodiment, the downloadable firmware is stored in amicroprocessor 518. A listing of typical firmware/software is includedin Appendix A. Typically, storage comprises at least one of SRAM andflash memory and at least 128 Kb of SRAM and 256 Kb of flash memory isprovided.

In a preferred embodiment the monitor/controller 212 is configured tocount pulses, sense contact status, and provide output alarmingnotification 513 on at least one input (pre-determined and downloadable)threshold 512 and the at least one input threshold 512 can be reset froma remote location 205 206 using the at least one communication media514. The communication media 514 provide the monitor/controller 212 withthe ability to poll different devices 205, log data and transmit data toother systems under the direction of downloadable software that isexecuted by the monitor/controller 212 to capture data, e.g., as inputto algorithms executed by the monitor/controller 212. The captured datais maintained on-board for extended periods of time in a persistentstore 503 to provide historical load profile data and is remotelyretrievable by other devices 205 and a facility manager/operator 206using any of a plurality of included communication protocols 514.

In a preferred embodiment, referring now to FIG. 5, themonitor/controller 212 can be configured via an embedded Web server, ora PC/laptop running configuration software by a facilitymanager/operator 206 or by an inter-connected device 205. Theconfiguration can be accomplished via local downloads via an at leastone RS-232 port or remotely via downloads using a modem or network 514.Communication features 514 of the monitor/controller 212 includeon-board Ethernet, embedded Web server, Embedded e-mail client, at leastone serial data port, on-board modem, Modbus/485 and Modbus/IP, Xmodemfile transfer.

In an embodiment, a local display that is preferably a touch screen 517provides local viewing of at least one of energy data, waveforms, andconfiguration parameters.

The system and method of the present invention thus supports on-boardadvanced control algorithms for energy management, e.g., demand control,and provides interfaces to load control devices such as communicatingthermostats.

Multi-Site Embodiment

In one aspect, referring again to FIGS. 3 and 5, an inter-connectedembodiment (e.g., wide-area connectivity 207) of the present inventionserves to permit remote management 512 of a plurality ofmonitor/controllers 212 and facilitates timely delivery of alarm/alerttype reports 513.

Further, multiple-site connectivity allows at least one designatedremote site to be designated a master site 212 and be able to retrievedata from many other sites 212 for centralized analysis and reporting(processing that requires more processing resources than practical toinclude at each site). The master site designation can be donedynamically and made dependent on conditions of the plurality of suchsites, their usage of power, and any other pre-determined criteria.

Centralized analysis allows predictive/preventive maintenance.Centralized reporting provides operational data summaries for the manysites 212 within one report. WAN connectivity is only one example of theconnectivity possible and is intended to aid discussion rather thanlimit the present invention. Among other possible connectivitymodalities are wired and wireless networks including IEEE 802.11, LANs,and, depending on the distance between monitor/controllers, may includelocalized wireless networks such as Bluetooth. Any protocol can besupported since the procedures needed to accommodate a protocol can bedownloaded to each affected monitor/controller 212 and therefore can beupdated as needed. This flexibility to change and update thesoftware/firmware executed by a monitor/controller 212 is a keydistinguishing feature of the system and method of the present inventionand contributes to robustness, longevity and applicability of thepresent invention to a broad spectrum of power management and controlscenarios.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of power distribution panels 210each having at least one controllable load 308, are inter-connected byand coupled to a monitor/controller 212 to monitor and control majorloads 202 and perform direct bus voltage measurements 209. As alsoillustrated in FIG. 3, each monitor/controller 212 comprises embeddedfirmware (including control algorithms) and are further each coupled toa data link 206 208 for inter-connectivity and centralizedcontrol/monitoring 207. Major loads 202 comprise controllable loads 308and include at least devices such as heating/cooling devices, lighting,fans, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, and motors, compressors, productionline drives.

In another aspect, the present invention employs at least one energymanagement strategy that further leverages having multiple sites 212 inan inter-connected system 207. For purposes of example and discussiononly, in a wide area network, such a management strategy may include thefollowing options:

(1) Using aggregated load data from total electrical load measurementsat each monitored/controlled facility to negotiate with electric utilitycompanies using the aggregated power grid 301 load instead of the manysmaller constituent loads, i.e., to secure more favorable rates as alarger load customer; and

(2) Using inter-connectivity 207 to curtail designated interruptibleloads in each facility (such as pre-determined fraction of a facility'slighting) during periods of peak electrical demand on the utility powergrid—thus taking advantage of lower electricity rates that may beassociated with interruptible tariffs.

While availability of the foregoing strategies depends upon theparticular electric utility serving the sites, and the “state” ofelectric power industry deregulation at a point in time, the system andmethod of the present invention includes flexible, e.g., downloadableover the inter-connectivity means 207, data gathering and controlfunctions for accomplishing energy management strategies. In situationswhere option (1) above can be applied (getting the utility to accept andtreat the aggregated impact of many small loads as a single large load),the system and method of the present invention then minimizes the peakdemand of that single large load by “multiplexing” across sites 212 tosignificantly reduce energy cost—much like the multiplexing within agiven site accomplished by a single monitor/controller 212 for localsub-loads.

Onboard Algorithms

The following algorithms comprise the embedded control algorithms ofeach power monitor and management device 212. These algorithms arepresented for discussion only and not in any limiting sense. They areexamples only of the types of embedded algorithms suited for monitoringand control but one skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention is not limited to the following algorithm example discussions.

1. Waveform Sampling and Power Calculations

In a preferred embodiment, all voltage (x3) and current (x12 or x33)waveforms are simultaneously and continuously sampled to collect andstore a plurality of M samples (M typically is 64) over one full powergrid sinusoidal waveform cycle (typically a time period of 16.67milliseconds for a 60 Hz power system). Voltage waveforms are thenadditionally sampled to collect a total of N samples (N typically is 80)over one plus X sinusoidal waveform cycles (X typically is ¼). Variouselectrical power data values are then calculated using the previouslycollected samples as follows:

1.1 Calculated Per Cycle RMS (Root Mean Squared) Un-Scaled Values:

1.1.1. Voltage Phase to Neutral (x3)

1.1.2. Voltage Phase to Phase (x3)

1.1.3. Per Phase Load Current (x12 or x33)

1.1.4. Per Phase Real Power (Watts—x12 or x33)

1.1.5. Per Phase Reactive Power (Vars—x12 or x33). Reactive power iscalculated using voltage and current samples that are offset in time bythe equivalent of 90 degrees phase angle, thus the need for additionalvoltage waveform samples (80 versus 64).

The above sampling and calculation process is repeated at least K timesper second (K typically is 7), with the results of each repetition usedto derive one second average values.

A one second average derived from the above per cycle RMS values arescaled to appropriate engineering units and used to further derive onesecond values for per phase apparent power (VA) and per phase powerfactor (PF), resulting in the following:

1.2 Calculated One Second RMS Scaled Values:

1.2.1 All Above Per Cycle Values

1.2.2 Virtual Load Real Power (Virtual=Summations of 1.1.4 Above)

1.2.3 Virtual Load Reactive Power (Summations of 1.1.5 Above)

1.2.4 Per Phase and Fixed Three Phase Total Load Apparent Power (VA)

1.2.5 Per Phase and Fixed Three Phase Total Load Power Factor (PF)

Stored un-scaled waveform values (1.1 above) are also used to derive thefollowing total harmonic distortion data:

1.3 Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Values:

1.3.1 Voltage Phase to Neutral (x3)

1.3.2 Per Phase Load Current (x12 or x33)

One cycle THD values are derived for each of the above valuesapproximately once every Y seconds (Y typically is 2).

2. Peak Electrical Demand Control

Electric power control routines are available to limit peak electricaldemand (kw), including the following:

2.1 Evening Light Load Demand Control

This algorithm limits the total electrical demand for a facility bylimiting the load associated with heating/cooling during evening periodswhen lighting load is significantly increased by the addition of parkinglot and building signage lights. This algorithm is applicable tofacilities where heating/cooling is handled by multiple individuallycontrollable heating/cooling units—typically referred to as roof topunits (RTUs), e.g., air conditioners, and any other type of electricalload that is suitable for control such as fans and motors.

For periods of time during which additional evening lighting isrequired, at least one RTU that has been identified as an at least onelowest priority unit (least critical to maintaining environmentalcomfort), is automatically switched off for the reminder of the eveninglighting time period (7:00 PM to facility e.g., a predetermined intervalof, say 15, 30, or 60 minutes, depending upon the specific utilitytariff) is predicted to exceed the highest peak demand for any previousdemand interval during that day, additional RTUs can be temporarilyswitched off for the remainder of each demand interval as required tokeep the peak demand from exceeding the previous peak for that day. RTUscan be prioritized such that units of lesser importance are switched offfirst. Critical RTUs may not be included in the demand limiting controlscheme.

2.2 RTU Multiplexing Demand Control

This algorithm is applicable to facilities where heating/cooling ishandled by multiple individually controllable roof top units (RTUs), andcan be used in conjunction with the algorithm of 2.1 above for eveninglight load demand control. This algorithm continuously limits the totalelectrical demand for a facility by coordinating the operation of allRTUs such that only a limited number of RTUs are drawing full load atany point in time, while allowing all RTUs to operate periodically. Thisis in contrast to multiplexing where each RTU would take its turnoperating.

With this algorithm, RTUs can be grouped for time-shared operation(multiplexing). Each group is allowed to operate at normal setpointtargets for a limited period of time, followed by a period during whichthe setpoint target is significantly raised such that RTUs in this groupdo not draw full electrical load under normal conditions. Groups arecoordinated in operation such that one group is operating at normalsetpoint targets while other groups are operating with temporarilyraised setpoints.

For example, consider a facility with six RTUs. With this controlscheme, two RTUs might be identified as highly important toenvironmental comfort, and are allowed to always operate at thefacility's target temperature for cooling, such as 74 degrees F. Theother four RTUs are divided into two groups of two RTUs, referred to asGroup 1 and Group 2. Each group alternates between 20 minute periods ofoperation at the normal setpoint of 74 degrees, and 20 minute periods ofoperation at a raised setpoint of 77 degrees. Group 1 operates normallywhile Group 2 operates at a raised setpoint, and then groups alternatesetpoint positions. As a result, only four of six RTUs operate at fullload at any moment in time.

This technique can be used to limit RTU operation in any combinationthat is determined to be appropriate for a given facility.

3. Solar Calculator for Lighting Control with Photo Sensor Override

This algorithm uses the geographical latitude and longitude of afacility to automatically calculate the sunrise and sunset time for aparticular calendar day—to determine when external lighting should beswitched on and off. Input from a photo sensor is also used toautomatically turn lights on and off in response to unexpected darkness.

4. Instantaneous Power Derived from Energy Pulses

This algorithm measures the time duration between energy pulses (kwh)from traditional electric power meters to determine instantaneous power(kw). Instantaneous power values are needed for real time controlalgorithms such as the foregoing. This algorithm allows existingelectric meters equipped with pulse outputs to be used in such controlschemes, thus leveraging a facility's installed power management andcontrol infrastructure.

5. Firmware Program Flow Description

The algorithms are part of the software/firmware that determines theoperation of a monitor/controller 212 according to the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, at the highest level, thefirmware processing/logic flow is a main program loop [while (1) programloop within main( )] that executes continuously, except when executionis preempted by the following hardware-based interrupt service routines:

-   -   Periodically by hardware timer interrupt timerb_isr, which        primarily handles analog to digital conversion processing at the        chip level (read_ads7864and read_sb)—reads and stores raw A/D        values for processing by other routines.    -   Periodically by hardware timer interrupt app_timer_interrupt,        which primarily handles the following processing:        -   1. Modem Ring Detect        -   2. Modbus Protocol Timer        -   3. Lighting Control Protocol Timer        -   4. Reading Hardware Status Inputs        -   5. File Transfer Timer    -   Asynchronously by various serial data port hardware interrupts        to process incoming and outgoing characters on these ports.        6. Firmware Overview

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, an example of a downloadedsoftware/firmware begins by initialized memory and hardware, includinghardware interrupts at step 401. Once the processing is initialized atstep 401, the process returns to step 402 at which the central ongoinghousekeeping functions are performed:

-   -   the onboard heartbeat is toggled;    -   time-of-day events are handled as required, e.g., detecting        changes in daylight savings time (DST) and making adjustments        accordingly;    -   compensation is made for drift of the onboard clock;    -   modem and Modbus timers are processed; and    -   regularly scheduled e-mail reports are generated.

Next, at step 403 end-of-interval processing is accomplished, e.g., bycalling the appropriate routines in a load profile library (lp.lib).Then, cycle data and per second scaled data is calculated by invokingroutines in the adm7864 library at steps 404 and 405, respectively.Total harmonic distortion is calculated at step 406.

Next, power is determined from the timing of energy pulses coming fromexternal meters (if any) at step 407, and any requests from ModBusexternal masters are processed at step 408.

Then, if Ethernet support is enabled socket-level processing isperformed comprising for at least two Telnet sessions, Modbus overTCP/IP, and an embedded Web server at step 409. At step 450, if Webserver support is also enabled, HTTP requests/responses are processed,and at step 451 web_server loop is called to store new date and timevalues for use within web pages. If e-mail support is enabled thene-mail is processed at step 452. E-mail processing includes a) accessingthe designated POP3 server to check for new incoming messages, b)interpreting the content of any new messages to queue up response reportgeneration, c) building any e-mail reports that are queue up forprocessing, and d) accessing the designated SMTP server to send anyreply messages that are ready for transmission.

At step 453, RS-232 port processing is performed to process incomingmaintenance port request message strings, and prepare appropriateresponse message strings.

At step 454 any enabled modem support is performed. This supportincludes handling of modem connection and processing request andresponse message strings.

If there is a touch screen 517 it is services by calling lcdtick at step455 to look for input from the touch screen (operator touch) and toupdate the touch screen graphical display 517 as necessary.

If there are thermostats being managed then they are serviced by callingTstats at step 456 to read environmental variables and thermostatsettings, and to update thermostat setpoints as dictated by variouscontrol algorithms.

Finally, any required lighting control support is performed by callingcontrolfunction within control.lib at step 457 to turn on or offmultiple lighting zones as dictated by various control algorithms.

The processing loops around to step 402, performing this loop of stepscontinuously unless interrupted by a higher priority task. Afterservicing the higher priority task, control is returned to theinterrupted step until another higher priority task needs servicing bythe processor.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show photographs of an ADM-3311 Multi-Circuit PowerMonitor, available from ADMMicro, LLC, Roanoke, Va., suitable forcontaining firmware according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show photographs of an ADM-1204 Multi-Circuit PowerMonitor, available from ADMMicro, LLC, Roanoke, Va., suitable forcontaining firmware according to the present invention.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, variousmodifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, thepresent invention is limited to the scope of the appended claims, andthe present invention has been described by way of illustrations and notlimitations.

1. A compact energy performance monitoring device for simultaneouslymonitoring a plurality of individual energy sub-loads for lighting,comprising: an integrated monitor unit, including: a multi-circuitmonitor module for directly and simultaneously monitoring energy usageas a form of power of the plurality of individual energy sub-loads bygenerating a plurality of measurements of energy usage of said pluralityof energy sub-loads at predetermined intervals; and wherein the monitormodule further comprises a storage module for storing a baseline valueof energy usage of said at least one energy load at one or more of saidpredetermined intervals; wherein the monitor module further comprises acomparator module for comparing said at least one measurement of energyusage generated by the monitor module that monitors said at least oneenergy load with the baseline value of energy usage to determine whethera predetermined threshold of a difference between the at least onemeasurement of energy usage and the baseline has been reached; saidpredetermined threshold associated with a power usage when one or moreenergy loads malfunction or are not operational, and a notificationmodule for providing notification that said at least one energy load hasmalfunctioned during use or is not operational based on a change inenergy usage, at least one program for using said plurality ofmeasurements of energy usage in a first pre-determined manner, said atleast one program selected from the group consisting of firmware andsoftware, each said at least one program downloadable via acommunications network, each said at least one program locally stored onthe device, each said at least one program comprising at least onepre-determined algorithm, each said at least one program comprising atleast one member of the group consisting of at least one schedule, atleast one setpoint and at least one report parameter; and said firstpre-determined manner including said monitor module selecting andexecuting said at least one program, a single housing unit for housingthe monitor module including the storage module and comparator modulewithin 24 inches of one another, and a local display coupled to theintegrated combination monitor/control unit, wherein the communicationsnetwork is connected to the integrated monitor unit, wherein at leastone module of the group consisting of said monitor module and saidcontrol module is configured for further performing processing toaccomplish at least one of the group consisting of alarm notification,exception reporting, and periodic reporting, wherein said at least oneof alarm notification, exception reporting, and periodic reporting areoutput to at least one of the communication network and the localdisplay.
 2. The energy performance monitoring device according to claim1, wherein the comparator compares the energy measurement with thebaseline value dynamically upon generation of the energy measurement bythe monitor module.
 3. The energy performance monitoring deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the storage module comprises storageselected from the group consisting of cache storage, secondary storage,and tertiary storage.
 4. The energy performance monitoring deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the notification module sends at least oneof an email, rf message, text message, and an alarm message to arecipient remote from said device.
 5. The energy performance monitoringdevice according to claim 1, wherein said at least one energy loadincludes at least one lighting device.
 6. The energy performancemonitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the storage modulestores more than one baseline and threshold for an energy load andassociates each baseline and threshold with a particular time schedulesuch that the comparator compares the energy measurement with theselected baseline value associated with the time of measurement.
 7. Acompact integrated light performance monitoring device and controllerfor simultaneously monitoring a plurality of individual energy sub-loadsof lighting and controlling the plurality of sub-loads, comprising: amulti-circuit power monitor module for directly and simultaneouslymonitoring energy usage as a form of power of the plurality ofindividual energy sub-loads by generating a plurality of measurements ofenergy usage of said plurality of individual energy sub-loads atpredetermined intervals; and a control module integrated with andoperatively coupled to the monitor module for simultaneously controllingoverall and individual energy usage by the plurality of energy sub-loadsin a first pre-determined manner based on the plurality of measurementsof energy usage, said control module for controlling overall andindividual energy usage of said plurality of energy subloads via a datalink, at least one program for using said plurality of measurements ofenergy usage, said at least one program selected from the groupconsisting of firmware and software, each said at least one programdownloadable via a communications network, each said at least oneprogram locally stored on the device, each said at least one programcomprising at least one pre-determined algorithm, and each said at leastone program comprising at least one member of the group consisting of atleast one schedule, at least one setpoint and at least one reportparameter; said first pre-determined manner including said controlmodule selecting and executing said at least one program, a singlehousing unit for housing the monitor module and the control modulewithin 24 inches of one another, and a local display coupled to theintegrated combination monitor/control unit, wherein the communicationsnetwork is operatively coupled to at least one module of the groupconsisting of said monitor module and said control module, wherein atleast one module of the group consisting of said monitor module and saidcontrol module is configured for further performing processing toaccomplish at least one of the group consisting of alarm notification,exception reporting, and periodic reporting, wherein said at least oneof alarm notification, exception reporting, and periodic reporting areoutput to at least one of the communication network and the localdisplay; a storage module for storing a baseline value of energy usageof said at least one energy load at one or more of said predeterminedintervals; a comparator module for comparing said at least onemeasurement of energy usage of said at least one energy load beinggenerated by the monitor module with a baseline value of energy usage todetermine whether a predetermined threshold of a difference between theat least one measurement of energy usage and the baseline has beenreached; said predetermined threshold associated with a power usage whensaid at least one energy load malfunctions or is not operational, and anotification module for providing notification that said at least oneenergy load has malfunctioned during use or is not operational based ona change in energy usage; and a control module operatively coupled tothe monitor module for controlling energy usage by the at least oneenergy load according to said at least one measurement of energy usage,wherein said control module controls said at least one energy load via adata link.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein said control moduleincludes at least one locally stored software and/or firmware executedby said control module for controlling said at least one energy loadaccording to said at least one measurement of energy usage.
 9. A lightperformance monitoring and control system, comprising: a plurality oflight performance monitoring devices of claim 7, including: networkingmeans resident in each of said plurality of light performance monitoringdevices for communicating among said plurality of light performancemonitoring devices.
 10. The device according to claim 7, wherein thesingle housing unit is farther configured such that the monitor moduleand the control module are within 12 inches of one another.
 11. Theenergy performance monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein thestorage module store more than one baseline and threshold for an energyload and associates each baseline and threshold with a particular timeschedule such that the comparator compares the energy measurement withthe selected baseline value associated with the time of measurement andthe controller module if there is an indication of a malfunction turnson alternative lighting in the same zone or a nearby zone.
 12. A methodfor light performance monitoring using a compact power management devicefor simultaneously monitoring a plurality of individual energy sub-loadsand controlling the plurality of sub-loads to control their overallenergy consumption, comprising: simultaneously monitoring energy usagedirectly as a form of power of a plurality of individual energysub-loads for lighting and generating a plurality of measurements ofenergy usage of said plurality of sub-loads at predetermined intervals;and storing a baseline value of energy usage of said at least one energyload at one or more of said predetermined intervals; comparing ameasurement of energy usage with the baseline value and determiningwhether a predetermined threshold has been reached, wherein saidpredetermined threshold of a difference between the at least onemeasurement of energy usage and the baseline is associated with a powerusage when said at least one energy load has malfunctioned or is notoperational, and providing notification that an energy load hasmalfunctioned during use or is not operational based on a change inenergy usage; operating at least one program for using said plurality ofmeasurements of energy usage, said at least one program selected fromthe group consisting of firmware and software, each said at least oneprogram downloadable via a communications network, each said at leastone program locally stored on the device, each said at least one programcomprising at least one pre-determined algorithm, and each said at leastone program comprising at least one member of the group consisting of atleast one schedule, at least one setpoint and at least one reportparameter; said first pre-determined manner including said monitormodule selecting and executing said at least one program, housing themonitor module including the storage module and comparator module within24 inches of one another within a single housing unit, and a localdisplay coupled to the integrated combination monitor/control unit,wherein the communications network is operatively coupled to at leastone module of the group consisting of said monitor module and saidcontrol module, wherein at least one module of the group consisting ofsaid monitor module and said control module is configured for furtherperforming processing to accomplish at least one of the group consistingof alarm notification, exception reporting, and periodic reporting,wherein said at least one of alarm notification, exception reporting,and periodic reporting are output to at least one of the communicationnetwork and the local display.
 13. The method according to claim 12,wherein the comparing of the energy measurement with the baseline valueis performed dynamically upon generating said energy measurement. 14.The method according to claim 12, wherein the baseline value is storedin one of cache storage, secondary storage, and tertiary storage. 15.The method according to claim 12, wherein the comparing of the energymeasurement with the baseline value is performed by a comparator module.16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising providingnotification that said at least one energy load has malfunctioned or isnot operational.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said atleast one energy load includes at least one lighting device.
 18. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein the storage module stores morethan one baseline and threshold for an energy load and associates eachbaseline and threshold with a particular time schedule such that thecomparator compares the energy measurement with the selected baselinevalue associated with the time of measurement.
 19. A method for lightperformance monitoring using a compact power management device forsimultaneously monitoring a plurality of individual energy sub-loads andcontrolling the plurality of sub-loads to control their overall energyconsumption, comprising: simultaneously monitoring energy usage directlyas a form of power of a plurality of individual energy sub-loads forlighting and generating a plurality of measurements of energy usage ofsaid plurality of sub-loads at predetermined intervals; controllingenergy usage of said at least one energy load according to said energymeasurement using a control module integrated with and operativelycoupled to the monitor module for simultaneously controlling overall andindividual energy usage by the plurality of energy sub-loads in a firstpre-determined manner based on the plurality of measurements of energyusage, said control module controlling overall and individual energyusage of said plurality of energy subloads via a data link, operating atleast one program for using said plurality of measurements of energyusage, said at least one program selected from the group consisting offirmware and software, each said at least one program downloadable via acommunications network, each said at least one program locally stored onthe device, each said at least one program comprising at least onepre-determined algorithm, and each said at least one program comprisingat least one member of the group consisting of at least one schedule, atleast one setpoint and at least one report parameter; said firstpre-determined manner including said control module selecting andexecuting said at least one program, a single housing unit for housingthe monitor module and the control module within 24 inches of oneanother, and a local display coupled to the integrated combinationmonitor/control unit, wherein the communications network is operativelycoupled to at least one module of the group consisting of said monitormodule and said control module, wherein at least one module of the groupconsisting of said monitor module and said control module is configuredfor further performing processing to accomplish at least one of thegroup consisting of alarm notification, exception reporting, andperiodic reporting, wherein said at least one of alarm notification,exception reporting, and periodic reporting are output to at least oneof the communication network and the local display; storing a baselinevalue of energy usage of said at least one energy load at one or more ofsaid predetermined intervals; comparing a measurement of energy usagewith the baseline value and determining whether a predeterminedthreshold has been reached, wherein said predetermined threshold of adifference between the at least one measurement of energy usage and thebaseline is associated with a power usage when said at least one energyload has malfunctioned or is not operational, and providing notificationthat an energy load has malfunctioned during use or is not operationalbased on a change in energy usage.
 20. The method according to claim 19,further comprising monitoring energy usage directly as a form of powerof a plurality of energy loads by a plurality of respective monitormodules.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein communicatingamong the plurality of monitor modules occurs over a network.
 22. Themethod according to claim 21, wherein the control module communicateswith the plurality of monitor modules to control a plurality of energyloads.
 23. The energy performance monitoring method according to claim19, wherein the storage module store more than one baseline andthreshold for an energy load and associates each baseline and thresholdwith a particular time schedule such that the comparator compares theenergy measurement with the selected baseline value associated with thetime of measurement and the controller module if there is an indicationof a malfunction turns on alternative lighting in the same zone or anearby zone.